We always speak of the 7 Canary Islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, El Hierro, Fuerteventura, La Palma and La Gomera. However, there is one more that is inhabited and that due to its size and proximity to Lanzarote is usually not mentioned: is La Graciosa. Located in the northeast of the Canary Islands and more specifically north of Lanzarote, this tiny island of just 29 square kilometres is a paradise of sun, water, and sand.

This summer I visited this island and want to talk a little about it because I was in love. There are only two towns (the capital Caleta de Sebo and Pedro Barba houses), no paved streets and the only means of transportation on the island is bike (you can rent them) safari taxis (all Land Rover, the type of safari tours, which take you to any point on the island) or if you have more time you can travel on foot.

The island is part of the Natural Park of the Chinijo Archipelago, together with the Riscos de Famara, Lanzarote northwest, two other uninhabited islands (Alegranza and Montana Clara), and the islets of Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste.

You can get apartments to stay on the island, but you must book well in advance, as there are few and often sell out. It happened in our case, so we stayed in Lanzarote and decided to spend a day on the island.

Before going to La Graciosa, go to El Mirador El Rio, a must. The views of the island from this viewpoint are fantastic. Furthermore, so you get an idea of the distance between Lanzarote and La Graciosa (a kilometre and a half or so from the nearest points).

The only way to get there is by taking a boat from Órzola, a village north of Lanzarote, or renting a boat, a water taxi, or if you have your own boat. The return tickets are usually around 20€, depending on the type of boat. We took the first option, which is usually the best and go at all hours.

The island is definitely amazing. Not counting the two villages, it is virgin; man has modified no buildings of any kind. The beaches are unique; the sand is white, very clean and the water transparent.

We decided to take a taxi and go to the most famous beach, Las Conchas. Is a bit rough, with high waves but it is beautiful. The mix of turquoise water, white sand and the island Clara Mountain is the most beautiful I’ve seen in my life. The images speak for themselves.

We were there all day. I recommend bringing sunscreen (parasols, windbreaks, etc.) since there is not a tree under which take shelter.

In the afternoon we decided to go back (you decide with the taxi driver what time you want to be picked up) and enjoy some of the city before catching the last boat back (at 19.00). We took a walk to the right of the Port, where there are shallows and you can snorkel.

At the end of the afternoon, we sat on the terrace of a restaurant to have a drink until it was time to board. If you want to eat, you have several options. The signature dish is always fresh fish.

In short, if you are looking for a unique place to relax, escape the stress of big cities, you like fishing, water sports, or just want to escape … Spain is special.This post was written for sites of Spain by: Angelica Guimerá O’Donnell

Queenie’s Tenerife Blog

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